slow

verb

slowed; slowing; slows

transitive verb

: to make slow or slower : slacken the speed of

slow a car

—often used with down or up

intransitive verb

: to go or become slower

production of new cars slowed sharply

Synonyms of slow

• brake

Choose the Right Synonym for slow

delay, retard, slow, slacken, detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress.

delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

treatment that retards tumor growth

slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention,

she closed her eyes and slowed her breathing

slacken an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

Examples of slow in a Sentence

The car slowed and gradually came to a stop.

The extra weight slowed the truck.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026

However, manufacturing challenges, high costs, and material limitations have slowed their commercial deployment. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026

Under the Pisces last quarter moon, allow life to slow down. —Usa Today, USA Today, 8 June 2026

However, based on interviews with representatives from organizations that help shape sustainability and circular economy standards, the whitepaper reports that there are state and federal policies where current rules risk slowing down participation in the secondhand market. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing slow

• a slow start
• do a slow burn
• go-slow
• got off to a slow start
• quick/slow off the mark
• slow as molasses
• slow boil
• slow cooker
• slow-footed
• slow going
• slow lane
• slow leak
• slow match
• slow-motion
• slow news day
• slow on the uptake
• slow-pitch
• slow study
• slow-twitch
• slow virus
• slow-walk
• slow-wave sleep
• slow-witted

Rhymes for slow

• beau
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

slow

1 of 3 adjective

ˈslō 

1

a

: not quick to understand

a slow learner

b

: stupid

c

: naturally slow-moving

2

a

: unwilling to take prompt action

b

: not easily aroused or excited

was slow to anger

3

a

: moving, flowing, or proceeding without speed or at less than usual speed

traffic was slow

b

: not vigorous or active

a slow fire

c

: taking place at a low rate or over a considerable period of time

slow progress in negotiations

4

: having qualities that hinder or stop rapid progress or action

a slow racetrack

5

a

: registering behind or below what is correct

the clock is slow

b

: that is behind the time at a specified time or place

6

: lacking in activity or liveliness

a slow market

slowish

ˈslō-ish 

adjective

slowly adverb

slowness noun

slow

2 of 3 adverb

: in a slow manner

slow

3 of 3 verb

: to make or go slow or slower

—often used with down or up